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Clueless 717

Welcome to Clueless, our informal weekly clue setting competition. The idea is to compose a cryptic clue to a given word or phrase. The winner of the previous week's competition both sets the word to be clued and judges the entries for the current week. The judge's decision is final and reasons may or may not be given at the judge's discretion. It is customary for the judge to donate a virtual prize to the winner.

Multiple entries may be submitted and new competitors are particularly welcome. Please give an explanation if you think it might help. Clues should be submitted by 8pm (UK time) on Wednesday January 15 th.
This week's challenge is:

MacGuffin (9)

or, as sometimes spelt,

McGuffin (8)


Good luck!

Future setters should note that a complete list of previously used words on Clueless, Peer Review and Weekend Peer Review is available here: https://tinyurl.com/4dzss5np

Cinematic deus ex machina? (8)

(I don't think I've seen the Mac spelling, SS)

More correct:

Cinematic deus ex machina? (8)

Chrise, Interestingly, we were going to post “ deus ex machina” as an extra, alternative clue! Chambers gave us both spellings for the featured clue.

The falcon in a packet of Maltesers? (9)

The briefcase in Ronin that lead to the Good Friday Agreement? (9)

E.g. Chekhov’s gun might complain if fug came back in (9)

Finding the centre of gravity in a tea-time treat can be important (8)

CG hidden in MUFFIN

Nonsense amidst manic mayhem is a device often seen in thrillers (9)

guff in manic*

Uma Thurman’s arse in Kill Bill (9)